22 October 2015

Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism

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PART I: Contents

The TOAM Platform

The TOAM Platform

1 1

Objectives and Institutional Mechanism

Objectives and Institutional Mechanism

2 2

Role of MCCI as National Focal Point

Role of MCCI as National Focal Point

3 3

Pilot Phase and Launch

Pilot Phase and Launch

4 4

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Non-Tariff Measures

Defining Non-Tariff Measures: What are they?

Policy measures that act as ‘structural bottlenecks’ on export and import, other

than customs tariffs, - import bans, restrictive import licenses, unreasonable product labelling and standards.

Mandatory requirements, rules or regulations legally set by the government of the

exporting, importing or transit country Restrictive and distorted effects on international trade.

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Trade Obstacles Alert Mechanism

Online platform for reporting Trade Obstacles

Accessible to all operators

All Government Agencies linked

Formal mechanism for following-up and addressing reported obstacles

www.tradeobstacles.org/mauritius

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3 main functionalities

1. Report a trade obstacle: allows user to describe the details of the problem faced. The user must be registered to be able to send a report.

2. Receive trade alert: allows users to get email alerts on the obstacles reported by other users and solutions provided by the authorities according to different criteria.

3. Analyse the trade obstacles: allows users to see all trade obstacles reports created as well as summary statistics.

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The Institutional Mechanism

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Objectives of the TOA Mechanism

• Provide a new communication channel for public-private dialogue on trade obstacles

• Contribute to the identification and removal of trade obstacles

• Assist national authorities in the development and implementation of trade facilitation policies

• Provide companies and TSIs with relevant and up-to-date information on trade rules and procedures

• Improve the business environment

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TOAM in Mauritius

• Chair of National Monitoring Committee (NMC)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (International Trade Division)

• National Focal Point (NFP) MCCI

• Inter-Agency Protocol NMC, NFP and all agencies have signed an inter-agency Protocol (approx. 26

agencies)

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List of Agencies (1)

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Division (ITD) • Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) • Division of Veterinary Services (DVS) • National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) • Food Import Unit (MOH) • Dangerous Chemicals and Control Board (DCCB) • Pharmacy Board • Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development • Attorney General’s Office • Commerce Division (MICCP) • Industry Division (MICCP)

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List of Agencies (2)

• Ministry of Technology • Customs Department, Mauritius Revenue Authority • Board of Investment • Enterprise Mauritius • Mauritius Standards Bureau • Mauritius Ports Authority • SMEDA • Competent Authority – Seafood • Ministry of Financial Services and Good Governance • Ministry of Tourism and External Communications • Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities • Ministry of Business and Enterprise

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MCCI: National Focal Point

• Responsible for administration and management of the website

Validation of reported trade obstacles in collaboration with NMC Ensure prompt transmission of information to relevant agencies to maintain

confidentiality Updating users on the status of their reported obstacles (through the TOAM) Posting updated trade information in news section of the website

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MCCI: National Focal Point

• Communication and Promotion Campaign

Dissemination of brochures to exporters, importers, business associations and trade support institutions

100% Challenge TV Programme

Press Campaign

Awareness Workshops

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The Pilot Phase: Training of Operators

Testing the Platform 3 focus groups interviews

Present the TOA platform

Training operators how to use the platform

Help them register as a user and report an obstacle

Evaluation of the TOAM Website Obtaining comments on website from operators by filling in questionnaires

Provide feedback and suggestions to ITC

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Training Sessions for Evaluating the Platform

3 Focus Groups

14 Exporters

8 Importers 4 Business

Associations

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Official Launch: 10 September 2015

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Results in Numbers (as at 22 October 2015)

> 50 Registered Users

30 Operators Trained

12 Obstacles Reported / 3

Solved

Thank you!

www.tradeobstacles.org/mauritius

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PART II: Contents

How to Register as a User?

How to Register as a User?

1 1

Reporting a Trade Obstacle

Reporting a Trade Obstacle

2 2

Updates & Obstacles Analysis Updates & Obstacles Analysis 3 3

www.tradeobstacles.org/mauritius

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How to Register as a User?

3

How to Register as a User?

Required Fields Title, Name, Email, Password,

Notification Language, Country of

Residence, Organisation Type

Optional Fields Telephone Number, Organisation, Job

Title

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The Alert System

Alerts Receive email notifications of obstacles

faced by operators in sectors and

markets of interest to you

You can, at any time, modify the alerts’

settings or decide not to receive anymore

alerts from the page Edit my alerts (within

the module MY ACCOUNT).

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Reporting a Trade Obstacle Context of the Obstacle When and Where?

Is it a recurring problem?

Type of Obstacle Stringent regulation, administrative

burdens, transparency issues,

discriminating behaviour of officials,

time constraints, high costs amongst

others

Affected Product & Additional Information

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What Happens after Submission of the Report?

Validation The National Focal Point and Chair of the National Monitoring Committee validate

the obstacle jointly.

Obstacle Published on TOAM Platform After validation, the obstacle becomes public but details of the company remain

confidential at all stages of the process.

Request for Information sent to Relevant Agencies The National Focal Point then sends the report to the relevant agencies and

requests for clarifications/action to be taken.

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Status Updates

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Online Updates Increase Transparency

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Obstacles Analysis

View Obstacles Reported by Other Users Click on Obstacles Analysis View the Reports

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Notify the same obstacle

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Other Useful Resources

Thank you!

www.tradeobstacles.org/mauritius

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